Iowa Bill Aims to Legalize Machine Guns, Short-Barreled Rifles, Short-Barreled Shotguns

By Erika Haas

A new Iowa bill was introduced this week aiming to end the prohibition on possessing certain firearms, including machine guns, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns, reports The Des Moines Register.

The bill, known as Senate File 108, was formally introduced on Thursday by Republican state Senator Jason Schultz. Schulz told The Des Moines Register that his objective is to make Iowa law on firearms no stricter than federal law.

As of right now, anyone found in possession of a machine gun, short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun in Iowa can be charged with a Class D felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison.

Schultz stressed that Iowans would only be able to purchase these types of firearms after undergoing an extensive federal background check, filling out the necessary paperwork and acquiring a tax stamp. He also added that only vintage machine guns manufactured before 1986 would be allowed.

“I haven’t heard anything but support,” he told The Des Moines Register.

Apparently, Schultz hasn’t heard Democratic state Senator Pam Jochum’s opinion on the issue.

“If they believe this is somehow going to make our neighborhoods safer and make our homes safer, it’s not. To me personally, I think …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms